83% of Millennials Will Leave for Better Support—Here’s How to Keep Them
Let’s be real—millennials aren’t sticking around just for the free coffee and office snacks. They’re looking for workplaces that get it, especially when it comes to balancing work and family life. In fact, according to Best Place for Working Parents, 83% of millennials would leave their current job for one with stronger family-friendly supports. According to Gallup, turnover among millennials - which is more than three times higher than that of non-millennials - is estimated to cost the US economy $30.5 billion annually.
So, if companies want to keep their best talent from jumping ship, it’s time to rethink how they support working parents. And the good news? Creating a more family-friendly workplace isn’t just the right thing to do—it also boosts retention, engagement, and overall workplace happiness. A win-win!
Here are three ways that smart companies are stepping up:
1. Make Parental Leave Policies Actually Work for Parents
Parental leave is one of the biggest deciding factors in whether parents stay or go. A 2023 report by Maven Clinic found that comprehensive family leave policies significantly improve employee satisfaction and retention.
Here’s how companies can do better:
✔ Offer paid leave for all parents. Yep, dads too! Equal leave policies promote shared caregiving and create a more balanced workplace.
✔ Expand beyond the bare minimum. If your leave policy is just the legal requirement, you’re behind the curve. Competitive leave policies show you actually value your employees.
✔ Make returning to work smoother. Phased returns, part-time transitions, or “re-onboarding” can ease the shift back.
2. Build a Culture of Flexibility (That’s More Than Just a Buzzword)
Work-life balance isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a major retention factor. A Great Place to Work study found that companies with flexible work options see higher engagement and lower turnover.
Ways to make flexibility a reality:
✔ Offer remote or hybrid options. Let parents skip the commute when possible—it’s a game changer.
✔ Ditch the rigid 9-to-5 mindset. Focus on results, not clocking hours. Parents often need unconventional schedules, and that’s okay.
✔ Lead by example. If leadership embraces flexibility, employees feel empowered to do the same without guilt.
3. Invest in Childcare Support (Because It’s a Major Stressor!)
For many working parents, childcare is the biggest logistical and financial hurdle. Companies that help ease this burden gain serious loyalty points.
Here’s what that can look like:
✔ Subsidized childcare costs or access to on-site daycare
✔ Backup childcare services for those inevitable last-minute emergencies
✔ Flexible spending accounts to help parents save on childcare expenses
When companies support parents, they don’t just retain talent—they create a workplace where employees feel valued, seen, and set up for success. And in today’s world, that’s what truly sets employers apart.
Want to keep top talent, but don’t know where to start? Contact us to set up a no-obligation introduction, learn about our offerings, and understand how we can help.
